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[–]morganreystark 28 points29 points  (1 child)

This is probably the most basic answer but watch more movies. I felt like the older I am and the more movies I watch the more I understand them.

[–]deadscreensky 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it's not a simple or easy solution, but any kind of critical perspective is like a muscle. You need to build it up.

Also like exercise: focus on proper form. In movie-r terms, try to be more attentive or aware. When you really like a scene maybe go back to it and break down exactly why it worked so well for you. Don't only be a passive viewer, try to dig into a film's guts more. With practice this becomes much easier, more intuitive.

And recognize that a lot of the more interesting analysis you see online isn't from people watching a film only once and spending a few minutes digesting it. It might not be obvious, but there's probably some sweat behind it.

(Older film/television tends to be created for a less capable audience so it can come off a little dull today; I wouldn't worry so much about not enjoying various sacred cows. On the other hand there's certainly no harm in really trying, either! Work those critical muscles!)

[–]jimmykim9001 20 points21 points  (3 children)

This is a somewhat difficult question, but I'll try to answer it to the best of my ability. The other commenters are right to say that you shouldn't base your enjoyment off of other people's experiences, but I do think there is value in learning how to analyze and think about movies on a deeper level. At least for me, when I break down a complex film and understand it better, I appreciate the movie more. Therefore, I think that learning how to analyze movies will open up your appreciation for a lot more movies than you enjoy now.

There are a couple ways to analyze movies, but for me, the most insightful is analyzing the story itself. Figuring out what the story means is essential for understanding the movie as a whole, and all the other stuff (analyzing scenes/cinematography/blocking/etc.) will fall in line more easily once you understand what the film is trying to say.

Figuring out what a story means is quite difficult, but here are a couple of questions you should always ask yourself when watching a movie

  1. What are the motivations of all the major characters in a movie? What do these motivations say about society? Example:is Michael Corleone motivated by greed and power? Does this mean the Godfather is a criticism of capitalism?
  2. Pay really close attention to repeated lines/motifs. Really great films will establish themes at the beginning of the movie and continue to build them as the movie goes on. For instance, if you've seen "Parasite", you'll notice that characters bring the concept of "respect" quite often, and "deception" seems to be a very important part of the plot. How do each of the characters engage in each of these themes, and what does that say about their character and the society that produces these characters?
  3. To expand on the topic of themes, if you notice multiple themes in a movie at the same time that seem to be disconnected, they are connected (100% likelihood in a good movie). For instance, in the Godfather, the movie spends an awful lot of time talking about family, and some amount of time regarding capitalism/drug trade. How are these connected, how do they affect each other? And abstract these concepts to make a commentary on society itself. What does family and ethnicity have to do with capitalism in the Godfather?
  4. If the movie has a character telling a story, pay very close attention to the story, and compare the story to the film as a whole. The Godfather starts with a story about American men raping an Italian daughter. What does this mean? Why is this important? Or, for instance in Inglorious Basterds, Nazis watch a film within the film that you're watching. What does the film within the film have to say about the film you're watching?
  5. If the movie starts off with something intimate and human, but then goes off the rails for the rest of the movie, the rest of the movie is often a metaphor for what happens at the beginning. This is a little abstract, so I'll give you an example. Midsommar starts off with a woman dealing with the death of her family, but the rest of the movie she goes and visits a cult dealing with weird rituals. The weird rituals are INTIMATELY connected to the struggles that she was going through at the beginning of the movie. (This is something I noticed occurs a lot in movies)
  6. Always, always, always analyze the title. Sometimes, it'll just be a line within the movie, but other times the title will have something important to say about the themes of the movie
  7. If there's a scene in the movie that you think is gratuitous, an event that makes you think "huh, why did the director include that in the movie", you must analyze it. Figuring out the scene is the first step in understanding the movie as a whole.

For me, if I watch a movie, I don't think I quite understand it until I write an essay about it, so I force myself to analyze the movie. After I think I have a grasp of what the movie is about, I analyze sequences within the movie (if I feel like it), and discuss how the sequence contributes to the film's themes.

Analyzing the cinematography is a little harder. But, if you're really interested, you need to learn the film terms (medium shot, long shot, tracking shot, etc.), and then you could do a shot analysis analyzing how the film techniques are used to enhance the experience of the movie. Watch cinefix to get a taste of that, but then after that you can analyze like how the director uses colors to expand on their themes, etc.

The most useful piece of advice I have is to think about how different parts of the movie are connected either by themes/dialogue/shot (point #3). Connecting the different parts of the movie will force you to think deeply about what the film is trying to say.

Good luck!

[–]psyche_boggling 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Wow I definitly learnt a lot from this. Is it okay if I save this comment for reference later.

[–]jimmykim9001 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Yeah sure. I'm glad you enjoyed my comment.

[–]psyche_boggling 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was very informative to say the least. I could relate to OP to an extent when it comes to missing the point of plots in movies or even in something as simple as a skit when I'm not familiar with what's going on, it's like going to an anime subreddit and seeing memes based off animes I've never seen. I might understand that it's funny but I will never understand why another person is on the floor laughing because I'm not familiar with the anime in question.

[–]birthdaylines 59 points60 points  (10 children)

Don't base your enjoyment of something off of other people's experiences.

Just because you cannot accurately describe the flavors using critic jargon and include a butchering histroy doesn't mean you cannot continue to enjoy a good steak.

Art is subjective. Take what you want from it and leave what you don't. Trust me you aren't missing much (because if you were this wouldn't be an issue).

[–]johnb51654 27 points28 points  (2 children)

While I agree and like this sentiment in general, I think it might be slightly missing the goal in this scenario (I may be wrong though). I don't think they're concerned about enjoying movies simply because others do therefore they should too or they're wrong for not enjoying them. I took the question more as they'd like to learn other ways to view a film and aspects to look out for which would expand their scope beyond plot and characters sort of thing. Like if they watched 2001 a space odyssey, didn't get the plot because its not a standard 3 act deal and they didn't really care about the characters because they're not necessarily important (as in, we don't know who they are really because thats not the point of the movie) then their conclusion is that they don't enjoy the film. Now I don't see that as a problem but it sounds like this person would like to explore what else a film can offer and if a film isn't aiming for linear plot and character development, what other ways can someone enjoy a film.

As I say, I completely agree with your point but jusy throwing up my view of what they might have been asking.

[–]birthdaylines 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I just feel that because somebody cannot enjoy something as intensely as another person doesn't mean they still cannot enjoy it, or should feel like they are missing out for that matter

[–]johnb51654 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree. I just think there is nuance in some cases but I'm generally of the opinion that its completely subjective.

[–]gacode2 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Exactly this. Like I don't get why a lot of people likes movie by Ingmar Bergman? We have to interpret so hard just to know the meaning of the majority of the scenes. The symbolism is overwhelming and it feels like he only makes movie for small percentages of people in this world (and for himself)

The thing about directing is, you have to be able to tell your audience in clear what are you trying to tell right? So if the audience don't get what you even mean, is that good directing? I know a lot of people here will downvote me for this because: "InGmAR goOD, HoW dArE yOu?"

But there, Ingmar Bergman is overrated

[–]birthdaylines 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well keep in mind that a lot of people who have even the smallest grasp of a topic will flaunt it around those who have none. Universally. People like to talk about how good Bergman's films are because 99% of the time the person they are talking about it with won't be able to knowledgeably keep up their end of the conversation. Giving person A an air of smugness and elitism. Its like, oh man you're so cool because you have an extensive knowledge of film from the 50s, here I am a peasant who only knows about movies that existed in my lifetime.

[–]mattheel 1 point2 points  (2 children)

This. Don’t know how it could be said better.

[–]losturtle1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Easily - not this. I'm fine for people to just enjoy what they enjoy but this guy is dismissing a certain type of film fan and criticism on a board celebrating films for fans - not for CERTAIN fans who use big words and have an education and experience in the medium. I just can't agree with people dismissing depth in film on a film board. Seems strangely elitist to just dismiss film literacy as "jargon". Especially since as someone who likes films so much, my job is to teach people how to make them - kind of makes me feel like this guy is just embittered and wants to claim that the principles upon which real people make films and tell stories is just "jargon".

[–]DoopSlayer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They didnt answer OPs question at all

Enjoying a movie is not the same as understanding the process or meaning

[–]losturtle1 -1 points0 points  (1 child)

I don't think they're asking anyone to tell them what to like... Just that they're ready to learn a few more principles of filmmaking - I can't imagine any e being so defensive over something so innocent, nor have I ever understood the insecurity of some poeple that determines the right way to analyse or interpret films. I mean, you're saying that analysis is just "jargon"... On a board for celebrating and discussing movies... It just seems... Dismissive of everything film-makers do

[–]birthdaylines 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude get over yourself jesus christ lol

The hypocrisy between your words and your motive is insane!

[–]oconnell2001 25 points26 points  (2 children)

I feel like a lot of movies simply require life experience. So many acclaimed movies that I watched as a young teenager went over my head and then watching them now i definitely appreciate them exponentially more.

Also, it takes work. Film is an artform, and understanding an artform in the ways that many filmmakers understand it requires hours and hours of study. Here's a project that really helped me:

Find a movie scene you love. Count the number of shots in that scene. Go through the scene, shot by shot, and try to describe what the shot looks like, how the camera moves, where objects and people are located in the shot and how they move in relation to the camera, what do you hear, how does it use color, how does it push the story forward. It seems like a lot of work, but these are the kind of things that a filmmaker thinks about and if you start thinking that way, perhaps it'll open up a whole new appreciation of certain types of films for you.

[–]Bassmeant 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah. Had a younger complain about why Texas chainsaw, the original, didn't scare em. I'm like, dude you're 24. You have no connection with that era. You can't picture a world without cell phones.

[–]Mr__Pocket 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just popping in to ask out of curiosity - have you ever read this book, "Film Studies - An Introduction" by Ed Sikov?

I ask because what you're recommending for OP is very similar to the exercises the author suggests at the end of each chapter. I'm currently reading through it to gain a better understanding of film techniques in relation to their expressive content. It's a really interesting introductory book and even though I've watched a lot of movies in recent years, this book is filling in a lot of gaps I had. Easy to read and certainly not comprehensive, but it seems to cover all the basic essentials of movie making to create a foundational understanding by which to expand your appreciation of movies.

Tagging u/siddharthkothari93 for the book recommendation.

[–]ladymeowskers 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I personally like to rewatch movies to pick up on the subtle things I didn’t notice the first time around. I also like spoilers for the same reason. If I’m not so concerned on the plot or twists because I already know what’s going to happen, I notice the subtleties.

[–]pilotdarko 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Something that may help you understand the subtle cues done by the production side is to do some light studying on how films are made. Don't jump into film school or anything but just learn how these pieces of the puzzle work. You can check out the internet, or special features on movies, or pick up a film making book.

I will tell you though that even with a film school education (I wasted a lot of money on that) there will still be clues you don't pick up on. Sometimes they're too settle. Or the film maker didn't do it right or it's a cue that doesn't fit the narrative.

[–]sigmaecho 3 points4 points  (0 children)

First, you don't have to like genres you don't enjoy just because others do. Or feel pressure to enjoy old movies when they don't speak to you. You have your whole life for your tastes to grow, change and revisit films that you might not have liked the first time.

But to answer your question, it's easy - just rewatch your favorite movies and pay attention to the technical aspects outside of the characters and story: Music, sound, framing, lighting, camera movement, choreography, costumes, set design, stunts, effects, editing, pacing, mood, etc... By rewatching a movie you already love, you'll start to understand how it was made. You can then supplement that by watching video essays on youtube, which will teach you how to notice these things in the future (not that you have to, I personally think a film should just be enjoyed the first time through, not dissected).

[–]dicklaurent97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You just have to wait. I hated Days of Heaven at first then loved it later.

[–]Sepfandom555 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you just have to relax and just enjoy the film. I miss a lot of things on the initial viewing its usually with multiple viewing that i start noticing details and stuff.

[–]thesagenibba 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I'm in the same exact position. I like to think I love movies but once I started reading what some posts on this sub, people go into insane detail describing what they loved about the amazing films they've seen and I came to the realization that I'm really just a casual viewer and I hate it. I want to be able to understand movies. I want to know when a movie is actually amazing. I've always just thought any movie was good if it had a beginning, middle and end, without really caring too much or even noticing if it had plot holes, bad acting etc. I really want to get to the level where I can recognize bad, good and great in film. I only know when a movie is bad, when a movie is actually inherently bad like The Room, or Samurai Cop.

Edit: I don't want to make my comment any longer than it has to be but take Blade Runner 2049 for an example. I watched it yesterday, trying my best to notice the great things about the movie, and don't get me wrong, I loved it but until I went to Reddit and read through a post describing why it was such a good movie, I didn't realize all the subtle things that made the movie great.

[–]ThatGoodGoodGrass 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I took some elective film courses in college where the basics of each assignment were trying to articulate what you see in reviews. Picking out the lighting, angle, music meaning etc. It helped a lot from a breaking down perspective, so if that’s not available then keep reading about films after like you are now.

To your point of older films being boring, you really have to do your best to think what it would have been like to watch this film during the time release. It’s what helps me when older films start to drag.

[–]pwppip 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What helped me was realizing that nothing is done in a movie by accident. Everything is done the way it is in order to make you feel a certain way or to express something the creator is feeling. Once you realize that, you might start asking why? Why are the actors arranged that way, why did they go for this type of shot, why this color palette, why are they talking this way, etc. Add those all up and you can zero in on what the movie overall was going for. This is for after you finish the movie though - as you're watching, just try and take as much sensual information as you can. You can't expect to do it all yourself, either; read what people who know movies, like academics, have written. Putting old movies into proper context helps as well, but that also requires a bit of research.

[–]doraemonfromfuture 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Siddharth, it is really not important to understand movies, imo. But rewatches can help in noticing new things, those subtleties you mentioned. Also, it's not important to like old movies, don't put pressure on yourself. I know it feels nice to think about talking about films like experts in online forums or in real life and all that but it is not necessary. If you don't enjoy or like a movie after 2-3 rewatches then it is just not your cup of tea. I personally love the Bicycle Thieves, Apu trilogy but 2001: A Space Odyssey went over my head like a goddamn bouncer from Brett Lee.

[–]bagnasciuga 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Film is an art form with a language and an aesthetic all its own. Since 1979, David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson's Film Art has been the best-selling and most widely respected introduction to the analysis of cinema. Taking a skills-centered approach supported by examples from many periods and countries, the authors help students develop a core set of analytical skills that will enrich their understanding of any film, in any genre. In-depth examples deepen students' appreciation for how creative choices by filmmakers affect what viewers experience and how they respond.

Highly recommended.

[–]emielaen77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seems like you wanna appreciate things that you have little knowledge of like blocking, storytelling through cinematography and direction, etc and not just plot or story.

You'd have to study some before you can fully appreciate the craft and art form more intensely.

[–]Idirectstuffandthing 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you rewatch? Sometimes you catch those things on a rewatch.

The really great films are the ones you can watch over and over and keep discovering new things.

[–]Asus_Acer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here. I always go to the trivia section of imdb to read about the little things behind a scene or the movie so I can appreciate it abit more. Some of the mission impossible trivia is incredible

[–]p0rtugalvii 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The best way imo is to make a short film.

Personally, the more you understand about behind the scenes work, the more you can understand good and bad work and why it was good or bad.

Vanity Fair's reverse film school videos, every frame a painting, Rocket Jump Film School videos and even Corridor Digital's VFX/Stuntman react series are good and enjoyable insight to film development.

I just overanalyze what I watch. I wanna know why it was good or bad, especially if it's bad. I gotta have a reason why it's bad or I don't feel I can justifiably complain.

[–]shinobipopcorn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe you can learn about the movie production side, and find interest in that instead of the movies' subtleties. For example, I haven't seen and don't really care about the majority of the popular films made in the last few years. But I like hearing about the work put into creating films, such as having to make larger helmets for 1917 because we are physically bigger now than the soldiers back then. Or restoring films for blu-ray, that's always interesting (especially when they find lost elements which admittedly doesn't happen much anymore). Classic theatrical animation is one which needs more of that, and if WB keeps their word there is another Tex Avery release in the future. :D

[–]_w00k_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Color and elements are a good start. What colors/elements are on screen? The director, should have, made a conscious decision to put something in a scene. The way they pointed the camera, where the actors are standing, who/what is in the shot, is there water in the shot, is there blue lighting, is there an object between the camera and the actor.

[–]g_st_lt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you watch a movie, is that all you are doing? Like in a theater?

Or do you half watch, half mess around on reddit? (that's what I'm doing right now)

[–]g_st_lt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sydney Lumet's book Making Movies talks about how every aspect of making a movie is used to tell the story.

One example I remember: What impression does a character's costume give you? Does it change over the course of the movie?

In a well made movie, nothing is incidental.

I suggest rewatching a movie that you enjoy, and thinking of the aspects about it you like most in the way Lumet describes.

[–]Ayallore95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just watch a lot. You'll pick up things. Some video essays might help but ultimately you need to keep watching.

[–]Workinprogress88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Studying screenwriting was my gateway to understanding films. Don't feel bad about not appreciating The Farewell. I didn't understand what made Chinatown great on initial viewing but came to appreciate it on repeat viewings.

[–]refbass 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pay attention to dialogue,camera movement,lighting,music,acting,the main storyline,analyze the characters ,just few off the top of my head.

[–]twitch_delta_blues 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rewatch movies, especially after a good YouTube analysis video. You will always pickup up new things with repeated viewings, especially if you have new insights to look out for.

I love movies, but it was only in my fourth viewing of The Lighthouse that I finally figured it out.

[–]groote24 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look things from the character perspective this might help you little in understanding the movie details.

[–]KantarellKarusell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a screenwriter the worst thing I know is when someone wants to talk movies and they bring up some artsy flick which they the praise talking about camera-angles and actors performing. You can hear that they want to show off their “taste”. Of course they are just full of shit most times.

If you want to understand a movie within any deeper meaning, learn about its themes. Start by google the theme of a movie you like and see if you will understand something deeper about the movie.

People who recognize themes in movies and talk about them are the ones who “gets films”. Alongside those who just admit they love whatever cheesy blockbuster. They also get it. Films and movies are stories. We all kinda like different stories.

There really are no high or low when it comes to taste. But there sure is a lot of people who want to show of their “good taste”.

[–]Bassmeant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Keep watching. The older you get, the more your perspective changes. You'll start to understand why an actor is good, why the lighting sucked, why the script needed a rewrite, etc.

It's simply time invested.

Rewatch a movie like Hamburger Hill and focus on background characters. You'll notice a bunch of depth going on. And when I say rewatch I mean like 10 or more times. I've seen open range over 50 times and it always gets better.

[–]losturtle1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Films are not about plot. Plot serves as the structure but most of the storytelling in any film is done by other elements of production, plot is just the framework and doesn't contain meaning by itself. If you see people ONLY talking about plot in their criticism of films (fandom usually does this - Marvel films, Star Wars etc.), try to ingore them, they're limiting themselves to about 10% of a narrative.

Try to isolate the conventions of any film and think about why a specific choice were made - it's what helped me. I work as a film production teacher and isolating camera movement and placement, the acting, mise en scene, editing, lighting and sound. Every one of these conventions is a (or should be) conscious decision made by the creators of the film - once you acknowledge this, you'll be on your way. Watch more and always think of every moment, change of lighting, cut to a different angle, the angle itself, the music, song placement and lyrics, actors' choices etc. - all of these are conscious decisions made to convey meaning.

[–]Threwaway42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just enjoy them. Maybe find older ones you think you might be able to enjoy more easily like Charlie Chaplin movies or Mel Brooks movies

[–]AnotherJasonOnReddit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was younger, I had enough time to listen to DVD audio commentaries. If they are made by the director and/or scriptwriter, they could prove very informative and useful.

Actually, with what's going on in the world at the moment, I should try listening to a few again - I've never listened to the film critic Roger Ebert's commentary of Citizen Kane, despite having watched the film itself some 7 or 8 times.